A magnitude-7 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan at about 4.27 pm on July 28, causing casualties and property damage in the affected area.
Following instructions from the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnamese missions in Japan contacted local authorities in Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Oita and Miyazaki prefectures, as well as Vietnamese community groups in affected areas, to assess the situation and prepare consular assistance for Vietnamese citizens.
No reports of Vietnamese nationals being killed or injured have been received so far.
Through Vietnamese community organisations, particularly in Kumamoto Prefecture near the earthquake's epicentre, the missions urged Vietnamese residents to remain calm, follow local evacuation orders and stay in close contact with authorities to receive any necessary assistance.
The Vietnamese missions said they would continue coordinating with Japanese authorities to monitor the situation while staying in contact with Vietnamese community organisations to assist affected citizens and respond to emergency requests.
Vietnamese citizens requiring urgent assistance are advised to contact the Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka via its citizen protection hotline at +81 80 3984 6668, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 24/7 Citizen Protection Hotline at +84 981 84 84 84.
